Bax It!

Bax It! is incredibly simple in its operation, but the interface goes so far against the Windows guideline/norm that the simplicity is somewhat wasted. I don't mind using text files to log operations and the like; I think the all-your-eggs-in-one-basket Windows registry was a big mistake for individual application settings. However, the full screen splash screen you see every time you run the program, the plain white dialog, the "end" instead of "exit" button, and the lack of standard window controls seems amateurish. As a programmer, I understand wanting to create your own interface, but I long ago accepted the reality that it's far easier for the average Windows user if they don't have to learn a new set of basic commands for every program, no matter how simple they are.

The free version of the program merely backs up data (the full version adds cloner functionality). However, Bax It! seemed to stall completely in both my tests--though I heard the hard drive occasionally grinding away. It may have done something eventually, but after 15 minutes with no visual feedback I gave up waiting and invoked Task Manager to end the program since it didn't respond to a click on the End button. I don't like to say it, but take a rain check on Bax It! Use Window's own proven, far more versatile backup program.

--Jon L. Jacobi